Who Are Anna Salunke And Durgabati Kamat? First Heroine And First Female Actress Of Bollywood

The world of Indian cinema has come a long way since its initial inception. The industry acts as a reflection of the country's rich heritage and phenomenal talents. However, did you know there was a time when female characters were not a part of the creative world, let alone becoming an actress? 

Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, whom we lovingly remember as Dadasaheb Phalke, aka, 'The Father of Indian Cinema', was not only the first Indian producer-director-screenwriter to make a full-length film. He was also the first to introduce not just female characters but also female actors to the Indian film industry. So, while his legendary works are often discussed, let's get to know the faces behind the first female on-screen character and the first actress in Indian cinema.

Anna Salunke, the man who became the first heroine of the Indian film industry

Dadasaheb Phalke made India's first full-length film in the year 1913. The director-producer-screenwriter made his debut with a mythological feature film, Raja Harishchandra, with a running time of 40 minutes. It was during the film's making that Dadsaheb realised that there was a need for a female on screen. However, he could not find a woman who agreed to act in the film.

The director had reportedly even reached out to prostitutes and dancing girls for the role, but even they had refused to work in the film. During his search for a female who would agree to play the role of 'Queen Taramati' in the film, Dadasaheb came across Anna Salunke, who had an effeminate figure and slender hands. The director convinced him to play a female role by offering him Rs. 15 per month while he was working at a monthly salary of Rs. 10, giving the Indian cinema its very first heroine.

Anna Salunke was the first to play a double role in a film

In 1917, Anna Salunke once again collaborated with the legendary filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke for his film, Lanka Dahan. The film was an adaptation of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. With the film, Anna became the first actor to have played a double role in Indian cinema. He played the role of both the male lead character of 'Shri Rama' and the female lead character of 'Mata Sita' in the film. However, the actor had grown more muscular by then, and the audience could see his physique as he played the role of 'Goddess Sita'.

Anna Salunke's other work projects

Anna Salunke played both male and female roles in several other films. The actor reportedly played the female character in a total of five films, including Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra, Satyanarayan and Buddha Dev, which marked his last movie in a female role and last acting project in 1923. For the unversed, Buddha Dev was Anna's third project with Dadasaheb Phalke.

Anna Salunke's last film and switch to cinematography

Anna Salunke was also the cinematographer of the films, Satyanarayan and Buddha Dev. It was after the 1923 film, Buddha Dev that the actor realised his love for cinematography. After the film, he transitioned his career to the same and was a part of several projects in the role of cinematographer. His last project came in 1931 and was titled, Amir Khan. The actor lived on for over a decade before passing away in 1944.

The first female actor in Indian cinema, Durgabai Kamat

Dadasaeb Phalke's first attempt to introduce female characters in the industry had miserably failed, so much so that the director had to convince the actor, Anna Salunke, to play the role of a female character. Women working in the theatre or films were still considered a taboo, not in the country alone but globally, as the first actress in the world, Florence Lawrence, was only introduced in 1906. However, Dadasaheb was adamant, and the portrayal by Anna ignited a small spark of hope.

Dadasaheb took the chance to introduce Indian cinema to its very first actress in 1913, only seven months after the release of his first project, Raja Harishchandra, in which he had introduced the first female character. The director was making his second film, Mohini Bhasmasur, in which he decided to cast Durgabai Kamat, setting a new wave of change in the entertainment industry.

Durgabai was seen in the leading role of 'Parvati' in the film. Her 13-year-old daughter, Kamlabai Gokhle, played the role of 'Mohini', becoming the first female child actress. The film opened the gates of change in the industry, welcoming several other actresses.

Durgabai Kamat challenged several societal norms

Durgabai Kamat was not only the first Indian actress, but she also challenged several societal norms. The actress was born in a Marathi Hindu Brahmin family and was inclined towards the creative arts from a very young age. Durgabai learnt to play several instruments, including veena, tabla and sitar, and could also sing, dance and paint. However, her family was very conservative, and she could only study till seventh grade. She later was married to a history teacher.

However, her marital life was not fruitful, and during a time when divorce was a huge societal taboo, she decided to separate from her husband in 1903. Durgabai made another bold decision after her separation and became a single mother to her then-three-year-old daughter, Kamlabai Gokhale. The actress made another choice, questioning the norms set by society and pursued a career in acting, which was ostracised by the Brahmin community.

Durgabai first joined a travelling theatre company named Chittakarshak Natak Company and lived a nomad life with her daughter, Kamlabai. She also took it upon herself to homeschool her daughter, as they were always travelling with the theatre group. However, things changed when Dadasaheb offered Durgrabai and her daughter a role in his film, penning her name in history as the first Indian actress.

Durgabai Kamat's other projects

Durgabai Kamat worked in a total of three films in her career. Two of which were silent movies, Mohini Bhasmasur and Babanchi Bayko. Her third and last project was in 1931, and it was a film with dialogues titled, Gulami Janjir. The actress was not seen on screen after that. However, she lived on to be 118 years old, passing away in 1997.

The film industry has changed ever since and has become more inclusive. However, we cannot forget the contribution of those who initiated this change. 

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